Brand recognition pays a big part in it; two ntebooks side by side but one has a familiar desktop background image - sold. Better, worse or applicable to the need; doesn't matter, it's not different.

For those who consider the difference in OS, the Windows versions have generally had better hardware specs. People who know the benefits of better hardware but will replace the software with something that fits there needs also contribute to the Microsoft market share figures.

We'll have to see how the new crop of netbooks does using the same hardware specs for both software platforms.